Articles | Volume 9, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-317-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-9-317-2021
Research article
 | 
16 Apr 2021
Research article |  | 16 Apr 2021

Hack distributions of rill networks and nonlinear slope length–soil loss relationships

Tyler H. Doane, Jon D. Pelletier, and Mary H. Nichols

Data sets

Rill topography and flow routing codes T. H. Doane and J. D. Pelletier https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3952897

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Short summary
This paper explores how the geometry of rill networks contributes to observed nonlinear relationships between soil loss and hillslope length. This work develops probability functions of geometrical quantities of the networks and then extends the theory to hydraulic variables by relying on well-known relationships. Theory is complemented by numerical modeling on numerical and natural surfaces. Results suggest that the particular arrangement of rill networks contributes to nonlinear relationships.